Reading through Brandon Watson’s post this morning (described here), I misunderstood and thought that Microsoft would be releasing a “beta 2” version of Mango to developers sometime in the not-too-distant future. Actually, they’re doing so today (which he does clearly communicate). And this “beta 2” release is the same code that I got weeks ago, not a newer version as I had expected. In fact, even the Zune 7.8 PC software version is the same. It’s all the same.
What’s different, or at least new, I guess, is the process by which you go about updating one (and only one) retail Windows Phone handset to the beta 2 version of Mango. Microsoft is fairly explicit in its instructions, but it bears repeating—you need to backup your phone backup (and then back it up again)—because otherwise you may never get your phone back to a working state, as you need to restore it later to upgrade to the retail Mango update.
We knew that Microsoft was going to let developers “soft update” their phones in this general fashion, but the feeling was that to do so it would need to finally deliver retail ROMs for each device to developers. It sort of looks like this flashing of ROMs is happening over the air, instead of Microsoft providing a set of ROMs for developers to choose from. I’m sure they’re worried about piracy. I’m not sure how much I can even discuss here, actually.
So let me leave it with this. I was going to upgrade my own Samsung Focus to Mango beta 2 using the developer tools method Microsoft provided today. But then it occurred to me that I already have this exact build on a second loaner phone from Microsoft, and it’s more valuable to have both versions for side-by-side comparisons for later writings. So I’ll leave my first phone as-is.
I wonder if they’ll be future Mango updates for developers or if this is it?
Just an FYI, Brandon Watson has confirmed that multiple devices can be updated using the dev mango process but Microsoft will only support one device per dev account (not sure if that changes with company accounts) if they get into an unworkable state.
Thanks!
They are pretty serious about the backup. They mention it and require you to acknowledge it at least three times. I am going to take that as a hint that I may actually need to perform the backup.
Since you need a verified AppHub account connected to the same LiveID you use to log into your phone and Zune, I’d say that MS has a good handle on who’s getting the updates. To those that try to get around the system, good luck avoiding the cloud on a phone that counts on the cloud to actually work.
The other interesting thing about downloading the new software is that Microsoft is making developers agree not to disclose anything until after it goes public. This includes screen shots that are developed with the new version, etc. I just finished downloading my copy and had to go through about 20 check boxes to agree to a bunch of confidential and non-disclosure notices before I could download it.
I’m surprised, because normally Microsoft wants the buzz around new stuff, but not this time.
that’s just the lawyers copy you’re reading. the press already showed everything there is. they know it already is all over the web.
In addition to the device update (which is apparently being rolled out in phases…still waiting for my invite email) a new version of the beta developer SDK for Mango was released today – that’s the Beta 2 that Brandon was talking about, and it’s definitely new.
It arguably makes sense that the OS update available to developers should be the same as the one given to reviewers, because it’s a known quantity (rather than a more recent build with new, exciting bugs), and also possibly avoids confusion when and if reviewers and developers talk to each other.
Well, I played with all the features by now. Mango absolutely rules over nodo and puts wp7 as a serious contender against android and ios. the one thing that was a total let down was turn by turn navigation. It doesn’t actually speak to you unless you tap the screen…what the heck. I had to keep tapping the screen every mile to get where I was going because it just beeps when you are supposed to do something. If it knows how to beep why not just read the freaking thing! This is a HUGE oversight which makes me wonder if the guys at redmond have ever used a 10 year old garmin device which does read to you directions without the need to tap. The other problem with the navigation is that it has absolutely no notion of heads up warnings. My garmin tells me a mile ahead of the exit to prepare to exit. This allows me to get in the proper lane and avoid getting into an accident. WP7 tells you nothing. I mean nothing. It will just beep when you missed the exit or got lucky and took it. again you’d have to tap the screen every mile on the freeway to know you exit is coming ahead. Last is that the map rotation only works when you’re driving. if you just want to see the map, well it will always face north. if you’re walking, you have to know where north is to make any sense of the map. the map should always rotate period, because I said I wanted it to in the settings.
but everything else from groups to the amazing local scout sort of make up for the terrible navigation experience. I guess my garmin will live yet another year.
Zune 7.8 or did you mean 4.8? Also do you plan on covering any new features in the Zune software or is that under NDA?
4.8, sorry. There’s no NDA. There are no new features to discuss in the build i have.
Hmmm…I was hoping they would at least update the images for the apps so you could pan through them. It’s actually easier to look at all the images on the phone that through the Zune software. Was hoping they would be bringing some marketplace updates as well, to take it to the next level through the software and improve the experience.
The update worked on a Samsung Focus without bricking it.
Love the WebOS-style task switching!
I did the ummm “unofficial” update and though it took three hours in all it was worth it. I’m loving this. I can’t believe a beta is this good.
Out of three I updated two, just in case, this is looking real good to me, even found a feature I had not heard of before, tap and hold touch screen in camera to focus and shoot! Is that new or did I miss it
I’m loving the mango, I’m hoping the allow me to choose which live account to sign into MSN with though. Currrently it’s just picking the primary account.
The release of this Beta 2 just proves that it’s possible to release an update to end users without the approval of carriers. I’m really curious how the Mango roll out is going to be compared to the NoDo release. I hope Microsoft learned some lessons.
Not sure if it’s intentional on Microsoft’s part but this Beta release is a great way to test the update with multiple devices months ahead of time and see how the different configurations respond in addition to the main goal of getting the OS in developers hands on a retail device. This still won’t stop the lame carriers from dragging update testing out but it should eliminate most if not all of the speed bump issues like we had early in the year because every type of retail device should have Mango on it by now.